Remembering Your Roots: University of Findlay Alumnus, Taren Sullivan ’18

Written by University of Findlay student, Jenna Simon.

For many aspiring college athletes, choosing which school to further pursue their athletic career can be a difficult choice. However, this was not the case for the former player of the Oilers Men’s Basketball team and 2018 alumnus, Taren Sullivan. Originally from Lima, Ohio, Sullivan attended the University of Findlay from 2014 to 2018. Sullivan had previously visited the University before committing to play here. While on the visit, Sullivan said that he “felt really relaxed and it felt like home.” Due to the size of the campus, Sullivan said that “it felt good just knowing that you get to know everyone personally,” especially the professors in the small class setting. For these reasons, Sullivan made the easy decision to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Findlay.

Sullivan knew from the beginning of his time here that he wanted to major in something related to fitness, as he said, “it was something I was always attracted to.” It was finally narrowed down. “I for sure knew after my first year of being here, that strength and conditioning was something that I’m very passionate about.” Though Sullivan always had an idea of what path he wanted to take, he was guided by particular members of the UF staff- specifically, the strength coach, Coach Wagner. Due to an injury during his freshman year, Sullivan spent plenty of time with the strength coaches, “becoming familiar with what the body needs to do to recover” which led to his assurance of strength and conditioning.

Sullivan’s experience with the strength and conditioning program at the University has had a positive impact on his current career. After graduating, Sullivan moved on to play for the NBA G League, where his skills and experience from UF were used. Sullivan explained he does all his on-the-court and off-the-court training on his own, and that the knowledge he gained through his major has helped him a lot, as he said, “all those years that I spent in the classroom definitely helped me out to pursue my dreams after graduation.”

Because of the lasting impact the University had on Sullivan, he frequently visits campus and helps train current players on the men’s basketball team. He enjoys giving back to the program that gave him many lasting memories, especially his senior night, as he said, “it was just such a great feeling to see all the great fans that came out throughout my four years and supported us”. Whenever he is back in Findlay during the off season, Sullivan is asked to come help with recruits to talk about his experience at UF, as well as some advice. “Don’t get ahead of yourself,” he said, “go where you feel comfortable. Findlay is a great place to be.” Sullivan believes that being an Oiler means being a part of a family. “I’m still very close with everyone I went to school with here and I still feel that way about the professors when I come to the campus, and the staff. You build a really strong connection- almost like family.”